MARCH 4-12, 2017 SUNCIRCUIT.COM
For over 30 years, the finest American Quarter Horses have come to Arizona for one of the largest Quarter Horse Shows in the world. March 4-12, 2017, The Arizona Sun Circuit welcomes the best back to WestWorld in Scottsdale to compete for thousands of dollars in cash, fabulous prizes, championship rings, trophy saddles and bragging rights. Sun Circuit showcases the incredible versatility and athleticism of Quarter Horses, and there is certainly something to delight any horse enthusiast. Spectators are welcome all days with free admission and free parking. Competition ranges from the poised and refined English style of riding to classes who’s roots are in the ranching traditions of the old west. As many as 8 arenas have events scheduled simultaneously each day.
Some of the crowd pleasing action classes include Cutting, Reining, Working Cow Horse and Roping. Western Pleasure and Horsemanship classes emphasize the horse’s movement while dazzling the eye with a glitterati of rider fashion and saddles bedecked in silver. Jumping horses will compete in several over fences classes along with a Hunter Derby. Ranch Riding classes have become extremely popular across the country, and a large turn out is expected at Sun Circuit this year. These classes showcase the horse’s ability to partner with their rider for a long day of work while being agile, willing and capable. There is also a full slate of Versatility Ranch Horse Classes that will be held in conjunction with the AzVRHA.
Besides a full daily schedule of classes, there will be a number of special events during the show. The Fence Work Challenge returns showcasing some spectacular cow horses competing for thousands of dollars. This is a fast paced event where horse and rider demonstrate their skill at “boxing” a cow in at one end of the arena, then running it along the fence to heart thumping stops and turns. For more wild action, Cowboy Mounted Shooting will blast into the North Hall on Sunday the 12th. Arizona is a hotbed for great roping competition. The DT Performance Horses Roping Futurity will certainly attract the top of the game with $7,500 in prize money added to the heading and $7500 added to the heeling.
Scottsdale’s wildly popular Parada Del Sol PRCA Rodeo will celebrate its 64th anniversary with 4 performances held during Sun Circuit. The sell-out event draws many of the World’s best Cowboys and Cowgirls. Rodeo tickets can be purchased online at SunCircuit.com. Be sure to put in the Sun Circuit promo code.
Sun Circuit is famous for its great awards along with fun and extravagant give aways open to all exhibitors. In past years, riders have gone home with saddles, TVs, Rod Patrick boots, jackets, artwork, jewelry, hats and electronics. The give aways are often random and can involve some fun and surprising challenges. Past challenges have included a backwards horse race, mounting bareback, or finding your boots in a jumbled up pile, getting them on and running to the finish line.
There will be numerous vendors with horse products, gear, boots, hats, fashion, accessories and many items for the home or barn. When you are done shopping, you may want to take in one of the many free clinics. Topics include horse health, riding and training tips, and secrets from the top pros on how to maximize your score in the show ring. There will even be free entertainment during the show with Chris Manning Country performing on several days.
The best Quarter Horses in the country will be in your back yard. Plan on joining the fun March 4th thru the 12th at West World. The complete schedule of classes and events can be found at SunCircuit.com.
